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Drosera aliciae is a small, interesting Sundew plant of
South Africa. It is very easy to grow. This plant was
first discovered in the Southwest of the cape.
A very popular rosette forming Sundew. Beautiful light
purplish pink flowers to about one to three centimeters
are produced throughout the growing season.
Drosera aliciae can grow up to 3 inches across. It
produces flat circular rosettes, held flat to the soil.
The upper surface of the light green leaves, have a
covering of sticky tentacles which are a dark pink or
brilliant red. The leaves are about 1/2 inch in width and
1 1/4 inch in length. The leaves, curl around any
captured prey like a fist. The underside of the leaves
are hairy and this can be seen as the new leaves unfurl.
It 's an insectivorous plant, it can survive in nitrogen
poor soils because it gets the nutrients it needs from
insects. The upper surfaces of leaves are covered with
hairs that secrete a sweet sticky substance. This
attracts insects, which become smeared with it and unable
to escape. The plant then exudes a digestive fluid that
enables it to absorb most of the insect into its system.
Hardiness zones 8-10, (1°C/35°F, -10°C/15°F) in
Winter. They should be grown in bright light, but with
protection from full midday sun. In cloudy coastal areas,
artificial light is preferable. If the plant gets enough
light, it will produce very nice red rosettes.
Temperatures should be kept between (20°C/25°C, 68°F/76°F)
in Summer; and a little bit cooler in Winter (15°C
/ 59°F) for optimum conditions; but it doesn't need a
period of cooler temperature at all cost. The plant
doesn't have a dormance period.
They grow well in a standard peat moss/sand
which can be anything from 50% to 70% peat moss. There's
no need to fertilize, as the plant relies on insects for
food. The humidity should be between 60-80%.
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out
between waterings. Water must be distilled or rain water
because they do not tolerate city or hard water. It is a
good idea to place a pie pan or large saucer, with about
an inch of water in it, under the pot. Elevate the pot by
placing pebbles under it so that the base of the pot is
barely in contact with the water, not submerged; the
growing medium must stay moist, but never soggy. This
will keep the humidity around the plant higher and it
will ensure that the plant has a constant source of
moisture.
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